Comparative tests of seismic sources and geophones aiming at shallow reflection seismic investigation in urban areas

Abstract

Pseudo walkaway noise tests were accomplished in study area in São Paulo city, Brazil, in order to evaluate the potentiality of seismic reflection technique in shallow geological/geotechnical investigation in urban environment, where there is usually the presence of different types as well as intensities of noises and the paved surface. Data acquisition was conducted with a 24 channel seismograph with 24 bit A/D converter, 28 Hz and 100 Hz geophones, as well as sledge hammer and seismic rifle as sources. The best results were obtained with: (i) 100 Hz geophones with 0.18 m spike and hammer source with steel plate; (ii) 100 Hz geophones coupled through clay on asphaltic coverage with hammer source applied on asphalt. Laboratory tests were also accomplished in shake table in order to evaluate geophone responses when they were coupled with different types of clay. Tests indicated clay employment is a good alternative to couple geophones, notwithstanding kaolinitic clays are less indicated.